Kanuga FAQ
What is "Kanuga?"
Kanuga, a conference center affiliated with the Episcopal Church, is located outside of Hendersonville, North Carolina. Drive up I-26 for approximately 2 hours and you're transplanted into a lush, green, cool and peaceful place that has hosted Saint Martin's Annual Weekend Parish Retreat since the 1970's. Their website is www.kanuga.org.
What do you do there?
You can do as much, or as little, as desired. A Saint Martin's planning committee usually selects a speaker and coordinates worship services as well as some social and recreational activities, but the choice is yours as to how you spend your time. There is usually a block of several hours on Saturday to take advantage of Kanuga's offerings or the surrounding area on your own. Antique stores, the Carl Sandburg Home (a National Historic Site), whitewater rafting, outlet shopping, Chimney Rock, Biltmore Estate, apple picking and a host of other activities may tempt you off the grounds. If you prefer to stay put, Kanuga offers a labyrinth to walk, porches to rock on, several trails for hiking (with varying difficulty), canoeing, lake-swimming, a ropes course (advance registration and an additional fee required), tennis and basketball courts, a small library, a game room, and a gift shop. St. Martin's scheduled activities usually begin on Friday evening with a social hour before dinner, and conclude on Sunday morning with a worship service.
What are the accommodations like?
Kanuga has two offerings: a private hotel-type room in the Inn or a cabin/cottage with two to four bedrooms (or more). Linens and towels are provided. Cribs are available, upon request, for a small fee. Both options provide single beds (two to a room). The Inn's rooms have private baths, while the cabins have two private baths to be shared by the cabin. Additionally, the cabins offer a small refrigerator, a living room area, and a screened porch. The rooms do not have central air, but it's usually not necessary. It's common for two or three families to share a cabin.
There are no phones, TVs, etc. Cell phone reception may not be dependable because of the mountain terrain. The Lodge's front desk can receive messages on your behalf. When you register, you may choose to be housed randomly, or you may state who you would like to "cabin" with. Every effort is made to honor your request, but ultimately Kanuga decides which cabins St. Martin's is assigned, thus affecting the number of folks per cabin. You will share meals, attend programs, worship and be housed in cabins with St. Martin's parishioners, but we do usually share the grounds with other groups having their own programs.
How about meals?
Meals are served either at a buffet, or "family style" in large bowls brought to tables that seat eight (high chairs are available). The meals are a wonderful opportunity to meet or get reacquainted with fellow parishioners randomly throughout the weekend. The fare is hearty and home-style, and most diets can be accommodated.
What does it cost?
Prices vary according to the age of each participant and how long you plan to stay. Please don't let cost stop you from attending; reach out to Father Josh if you find cost to be an issue. The registration form includes all these figures and will help you determine the total cost of your stay. Meals, lodging and all programs are included in the price.
What do I need to bring?
Clothes for hot weather AND cold weather AND wet weather (this is a mountain climate.) Comfortable shoes. Flashlights. Optional: books, tennis racquet, basketball, hiking shoes, snacks and beverages for your cabin's mini-fridge (but Kanuga's hearty meals will fill you up!)
Who attends?
Our group includes a wide cross-section of our diverse congregation. We have every age group represented, every marital status, babies, kids of all ages, those who like to "join in," those who prefer to "check out," a group of "regulars" and lots of people who are "trying it for the first year." Pets are not allowed. Please come to Kanuga as we grow together and with God!